Takayama Station
Takayama Station in Gifu Prefecture
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Takayama City is located in northern Gifu, one of the few fully inland prefectures in Japan with no seacoast. Instead of rich oceanside beaches, however, the mountains roll through the prefecture, accompanied by rushing rivers and deep valleys filled with dense foliage.
Takayama lies in the heart of these Japanese Alps, and while it is technically dubbed a city, it seems like a separate world compared to the major metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Osaka, and even Kyoto. In fact, the name Takayama translates to “tall mountain,” indicating its full embrace of its natural surroundings.
The area that constitutes Takayama is quite vast, as in 2005, a number of towns and communities in northern Gifu combined to form the overarching Takayama region as it is known today, but some of its signature destinations include the modest town of Hida Takayama and the traditional village of Shirakawago, which is actually considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In between and laced throughout the land are relatively non-descript towns with a charm all their own, largely fueled by livestock and produce and accentuated with shrines and temples.
Takayama is a popular travel destination for overseas visitors and local Japanese residents alike, and its main means of access is the central Takayama Station, modest in size compared to other major cities in the country but the centerpiece of the area's transportation network.
Station overview
Takayama Station is located a short distance from central Hida Takayama. The original station opened in 1934. It is a relatively small station, with only 3 platforms. Despite its size, it had its most recent renovation in 2016, outfitted with a more sleek and contemporary design with a primarily glass and wooden construction that contrasts the modest surroundings while simultaneously incorporating inspiration from the nature-rich geography of the area.
Takayama Station is primarily operated by JR Central, with a number of local and express train lines passing through it. Aside from trains, Nouhi Express buses will arrive and depart from the facility next to the station.
JR Central Train at Takayama Station
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Access to Takayama Station
Train access
Hida Express and Shinkansen bullet train
The most efficient major city to travel to Takayama from is Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, which has direct access to Takayama Station by way of the Hida Express, a special rapid train that cuts through Gifu Prefecture and has terminal stations at Nagoya and Toyama City all the way in Hokuriku. From Nagoya to Takayama Station via this train, it takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes.
For those traveling from other major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto via train, typically a Shinkansen will be ridden to Nagoya, followed by a transfer to the Hida Express. Shinkansen trains to Nagoya along with the Hida Express are completely covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Tickets from Tokyo to Takayama with the transfer to Nagoya are available on our website as well.
Hida Limited Express
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JR Central Takayama Main Line
The JR Central Takayama Main Line goes between Gifu City, the largest in the prefecture, and Toyama. This line is often used by residents of Gifu Prefecture and grants access to lesser-known spots that are more residential or agricultural in nature. Gero Onsen, a hot spring town a bit south of Takayama, can be reached with this line. A number of ryokan inns are here, offering a traditional type of stay for ultimate relaxation as well as gorgeous views and natural foot baths in the river basins.
Hida Furukawa Station is also a notable stop, very humble and surrounded by greenery in the summer with quaint shops, homes, a library, dairy and meat farms, and a popular shrine atop a nearby hill that overlooks the area. This station is well-known for being briefly featured in the 2016 smash-hit anime film “Your Name” (君の名は), directed by Makoto Shinkai. From one of the bridges at the station, there is a spot for taking photos reminiscent of the shot in the film.
Bus access
Another popular means of getting to Takayama Station is via the Nouhi long-distance buses. The bus facility is located right next to the main building of Takayama Station. Buses come from and depart for a number of different cities and locations. These include Tokyo via Shinjuku Station, Gifu Station in Gifu City, Kanazawa and Toyama in Hokuriku, Matsumoto in Nagano, and Osaka and Kyoto in Kansai. To get to the famous Shirakawago, buses towards Kanazawa and Toyama can be ridden.
Nearby Takayama Station
From Takayama Station, a brief 10-minute walk takes visitors to the Hida Takayama town center.
Takayama Station Nohi Bus Center
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Here, many restaurants feature local delicacies, such as the area’s famous Hida wagyu beef and local sake, that are difficult to find outside of Gifu Prefecture! Noteworthy restaurants include the famous “Center4 Burgers” burger shop, French Bistro Nakagawa, and Cafe Courier, boasting quality coffee and an English-speaking owner who is one of a handful of Japanese citizens who have visited every country in the world.
Takayama, Gifu
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Local favorites that are also often visited by travelers include the Onoya Soy Sauce and Miso Shop and the Retro Museum, with an impressive and eclectic collection of vintage goods largely coming from Showa-era Japan.
Spots alongside the river are great for relaxing and taking in the calm atmosphere of Takayama, with hills and mountains seen in the background. Between the town’s center and the station are a number of hotels and ryokans, with the Tokyu Hotel and Washington Hotel right across from Takayama Station.
